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Fantasy Football Strategy: Is Rob Gronkowski healthy? Where to draft the New England Patriots star

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New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski waves as he leaves the field in a cart after being injured in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Brownsin 2013.
(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

As your fantasy football draft nears, there are several key story lines to follow this preseason that could change how you approach the opening rounds. In the coming days, I will examine some of the situations you should consider before making those top picks.

The health of Gronkowski is important in determining not only where to draft the New England tight end, but also how highly to rate Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

The favorite target of Brady, Gronkowski has missed 14 weeks due to injury in the past two seasons, and he's currently coming off an ACL injury. The Patriots plans to hold him out of all preseason games.

Still, all signs are pointing to Gronkowski meeting his goal of being ready for Week 1; last week he took part in 7-on-7 drills for the first time this offseason, then on Monday took part in his first 11-on-11 action. On the first play, Brady found Gronkowski for a completion.

If Gronkowski is healthy, he challenges Julius Thomas as the No. 2 tight end behind Jimmy Graham. He would not be worthy of a first or second round pick like Graham, but he should get strong consideration as early as the fifth round.

More than anything, a healthy Gronkowski vaults the fantasy profile of Brady, who disappointed owners last season, thanks in large part to Gronk’s early-season absence. But Brady finished well, throwing multiple touchdowns in five of the final eight weeks … four of them to Gronkowski.

Jason Quick and The Oregonian will be offering up fantasy football strategy, advice and monitoring developing story lines during the NFL season. Have a question? Be sure to sign in and post your questions in the comments section below. Stick with us for more Fantasy Football Strategy.